QUETTA: At least 17 people lost their lives while over 30 others including Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was injured in a roadside blast in the Mastung area of Balochistan, police sources confirmed on Friday.

The PRO of the Civil Hospital Mastung, Malik Jibran told Geo News that over 20 bodies were brought to the hospital.

Maulana Haideri’s convoy was targeted in the blast with pictures showing the extent of damage to his vehicle. The deputy chairman was returning from an event at Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen at Jamia Masjid Hammadia when the explosion took place.

The blast was very powerful, said Maulana Haideri, adding that though he is not seriously hurt, he is deeply saddened by the deaths which had taken place.

Earlier while speaking to Geo News, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Malik said that Maulana Haideri had asked for a bulletproof vehicle which was not provided.

Jang correspondent Attaullah reporting from the scene of the incident said bodies were still lying on the ground and security forces were trying to ascertain whether the attack was a suicide attack.

The area has been cordoned off by security forces and investigations are underway.

This is a developing story and will be updated as further details are available. As with breaking news initial reports may sometimes be inaccurate. GEO